Lawmakers urge Pentagon: Rev up cybersecurity and tech enhancements now

TLDR:

• Lawmakers are pressuring the Pentagon to improve cybersecurity and advance technological capabilities to combat threats from China and Russia.
• The Pentagon is partnering with private companies and the tech sector to develop software and programs to aid defense initiatives.

Lawmakers are urging the Pentagon to accelerate efforts in bolstering cybersecurity and advancing technological capabilities to address growing threats from China and Russia. Congress is debating how to protect critical infrastructure and defense industry from adversaries leveraging technology. Multiple defense and intelligence agency leaders have highlighted the urgent need for action as technology continues to evolve.

Key points raised during the hearing include the Pentagon’s partnerships with private companies and the tech sector to develop software and programs to equip soldiers with necessary tools. China has been identified as a leading cyber threat, with concerns around malware in exported technology and espionage capabilities. Congress and the Biden administration are taking steps to combat China’s rise, including export controls and regulations on private corporations.

Artificial intelligence is being increasingly utilized in defense systems, with a focus on integrating AI into surveillance drones and space tracking. Defense leaders are working to balance the benefits and risks of AI, emphasizing the need for experts to utilize AI to enhance their skills rather than replace them. The Pentagon is heavily investing in AI-enabled autonomous vehicles to ensure technological advancement and combat adversaries’ investments in similar systems.